Host Communities of Port Harcourt Refinery Question One-Month Closure, Warn of Potential Fuel Scarcity

Eleme and Okrika communities, the designated host areas of the Port Harcourt Refinery, have voiced concerns over the Federal Government’s recent decision to shut down the facility for a duration of one month. During a media briefing in Port Harcourt, indigenes who also operate as petroleum retailers under the umbrella of the Hoscom Bulk Petroleum Retailers of Port Harcourt Refinery challenged the motives behind the temporary clos

Sunny Nkpe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hoscom Bulk Petroleum Retailers, issued a seven-point communique accusing the refinery coordinator, Bayo Aderele, of actions that allegedly sabotage the refinery’s progress. The communique also expressed strong support for Tecnimont Ltd, the company currently overseeing the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refineries.

In addition, Tekena Ikpaki, the Administrative Chairman of Hoscom, warned that extending the shutdown beyond the initially announced one month could lead to fuel scarcity and a sharp increase in petroleum prices. Other key members of the group, including Joseph Obel, the BOT Administrative Secretary, and Emmanuel Inimgba, the BOT Secretary, voiced fears that the shutdown might be a deliberate move aimed at monopolizing the petroleum industry.